A Thanksgiving Retreat: Opening to the Blessings of Life
Not scheduled at this time.
with Nayaswami Krishnadas
Sometimes we get lost in the routines of life, the endless to-do's, and we forget to stop, open our eyes, and be grateful for life itself.
During this weekend, you will learn about meditation: how to meditate, and how those few minutes a day can reconnect you with your own inner peace and joy. You'll have experiences both alone and in our group to better prepare you to find the blessings in each moment.
The experiences of meditation, informal talks with like-minded new friends, and class experiences targeted to your needs - all can help give you a fresh perspective on your life and your goals.
In addition, you'll enjoy:
- A scrumptious Thanksgiving vegetarian banquet - with all the traditional favorites, and delicious nut loaf
- Gentle yoga postures combined with affirmations for higher awareness
- Classes and discussions to inspire gratitude, and tools to refresh your spiritual life
- Informal discussion in an Ananda home
- Serene walks through the beautiful hills of Ananda Village
- Kirtan (devotional chanting)
- Time to be alone or to share with new friends
- The Ananda Village Sunday Service and Purification Service
- And more...
Nayaswami Krishnadas will be your host for the retreat. Krishnadas says: "Holidays can be a special time to renew our spirits deeply, to feel refreshed for a new beginning. That is my hope for you in this special time of year."
From previous guests:
"This retreat was exactly what I needed to revitalize my meditation practice! The community here is so welcoming and filled with loving kindness. I feel much more prepred to go back to my regular life now, having picked up new strategies of meditation and affirmations, and a new perspective on the depths of spirituality. Thank you so much for a beautiful 5 days!"
Julie, Stanford, CA
"It was an amazing experience and opened me up to a whole realm of life and self exploration. I feel like my outlook on the world and life has gone through so much change in such little time, and I already feel the ways I interact with others around me and with myself are becoming more compassionate and grateful. I got to meet so many wonderful people and meet something new within myself. Thank you!" Y.S., Oakland, CA
"Perhaps one of the most profoundly opening experiences I have had. The entire Expanding Light family welcome all as if you were coming home. I leave with a renewed sense of love, of gratitude, and of peace. Thank you so very much." D.P., San Luis Obispo, CA
"First and foremost - my heart and spirit are filled with gratitude and appreciation for the hospitality, warmth, fellowship, and unity. What comes to mind is this: "Preach the gospel (the good news) at all times and if necessary use words." Rev. L.C., Sacramento, CA
"Perfect Thanksgiving and opportunity to reflect and give thanks. Such warmth, positive energy, deep knowledge, skillful teachers. Huge step in my personal spiritual growth. My soul is happy here." M.M., Carmichael, CA
"I was drawn to the intention of the retreat: I was feeling really down and knew that my daily routine was not helping me uplift my spirit. Since the retreat I've been meditating every morning and evening, doing yoga, spending less time on the Internet, and desiring to connect more deeply with myself and those around me. I went with an open mind and heart, and left feeling more radiant, present, and accepting of my process."
Victoria, Oakland, CA
"Thanks so much for such a lovely, special experience and everything you shared and exposed us to. I feel 'reset' and really grateful for the perspective shifts that happened over this weekend. I feel closer to myself and to spirit."
Tameron, San Francisco, CA
3 Tips for Enjoying a Thanksgiving Holiday
1. Nature “has no ego.” Take time to be in nature and fill yourself with inner happiness.
2. Before you spend time with people, prepare yourself to feel a connection with them. Look beneath the outward personalities for the soul who is seeking love, just as you are.
3. Practice gratitude for the Life flowing within you.
For more information, please send us a Question or Comment:
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Nayaswami Krishnadas
Spiritual Travel Host, Meditation Teacher, Manager of Guest Groups, Ananda Minister and Counselor
What is a nayaswami?
An exceptionally knowledgeable and gifted meditation teacher, Nayaswami Krishnadas shares his passion for meditation with dynamic enthusiasm. Over the last three decades he has taught thousands of people, from all over the world, how to meditate.
See all programs, articles, and full bio of Nayaswami Krishnadas.
No dates scheduled for A Thanksgiving Retreat: Opening to the Blessings of Life at this time.
Prices are all-inclusive and cover accommodations, meals, classes or activities, and course materials.
A Thanksgiving Retreat: Opening to the Blessings of Life starts the afternoon of the first date listed and ends with lunch on the last date listed. Check-in is anytime between 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. at our Front Desk. Your room will be available by 3:00 p.m. Dinner is at 6:30. The first gathering of your group is after dinner.
Please see:
You can add extra personal retreat days before and/or after your program. Check availability and costs for the days and accommodations that you require.
A Thanksgiving Retreat: Opening to the Blessings of Life starts the afternoon of the first date listed. It’s ideal to arrive before 4 pm, if you are able to. That way, you can join in the afternoon session of yoga and meditation, which begins at 4:45 pm. Dinner is at 6:30. The first real gathering of your group is at 7:30 pm. If you need to arrive here after 5 pm, that’s fine, but it helps us if you let us know at 800-346-5350. We can also put aside a dinner for you if you need to arrive after 7 pm. The program ends with lunch on the last date. Please see our Daily Schedule.
See Transportation and Directions whether you are coming by plane, car, bus or train. Our Frequent Questions page answers many of the questions you might have about How to Go on Retreat.
